Dynamics of emerging infectious diseases have long been known to be influenced by the biotic, abiotic, and genetic ‘environments’ under which they occur. Recently, the microbial community living within and on an individual has been shown to affect susceptibility to disease. However, because microbiomes are dynamic and affected by both the ecology and genetics of their host, a central goal in disease ecology is to understand how the environment interacts with an organism’s ecology and evolutionary history to affect both their microbiome and disease susceptibility.
In this project, based at Bangor University and in collaboration with the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (USA), the student will use a combination of laboratory animal experiments, fieldwork and molecular approaches to investigate the links between ecology, evolution, and the microbiome of the dyeing poison frog (Dendrobates tinctorius) on susceptibility to the fungal skin pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), considered one of the greatest threats to vertebrate biodiversity around the world.
The project offers a wealth of opportunities for the student to gain experience in molecular biology, evolutionary genetics, microbiology, disease ecology and science communication. The studentship will be based within the Molecular Ecology and Evolution group (meeb.bangor.ac.uk), a world leader in the analyses of molecular data addressing global issues in disease biology and evolutionary genomics. It offers a dynamic and supportive training environment for young scientists. There will be opportunities for the student to work and train with US collaborators and perform international fieldwork (South America) during the project.
Eligibility
Essential skills are a minimum 2:1 BSc or equivalent in Life Sciences, with good numerate skills and enthusiasm for disease ecology and evolutionary biology. Desirable skills are a postgraduate degree (e.g. MSc or MRes) and/or contribution to scientific publication, molecular laboratory and/or animal experimental experience, a desire for international fieldwork.
Enquiries
For further enquiries, please contact Dr Amy Ellison, [Email Address Removed]
To apply for this project follow this link
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